Description:

Integrating nature-based play into play therapy can have powerful neuropsychological and clinical benefits. Participants will learn the clinical and psychosocial reasons behind integrating nature into play therapy and sand tray work, as well as some historical perspectives. The research on physical and mental health benefits will also be discussed. Participants should come prepared to discuss their own clinical experiences with using nature in play therapy and be ready to think about how to integrate nature into their work, primarily in this time of technological advances and telehealth.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify at least 4 benefits to integrating nature-based play into sand and play therapy sessions.
• Discuss at least 2 potential limitations to using nature-based materials in play therapy.
• Identify how cultural influences can impact access to nature, and how this can be addressed within play therapy.
• Identify at least two ways to bring nature-based materials and techniques into indoor play therapy sessions